Al Ahly’s triumphant return to action in the Egyptian Premier League saw them clinch a resounding 5-1 victory over Baladiyat Al Mahalla, with the match serving as a platform for individual performances to shine and concerns to arise.
In a match held at Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, Wissam Abu Ali netted a brace for Al Ahly, supported by goals from Karim Fouad, Reda Slim, and substitute Antony Modeste. Baladiyat Al Mahalla found a consolation goal through Hossam Ashraf’s penalty.
Beyond securing the three points, Al Ahly’s encounter with Baladiyat Al Mahalla yielded significant gains, notably the standout performance of Wissam Abu Ali, the stellar display of Mustafa Shobier in goalkeeping duties, and the return of Reda Slim to a full 90-minute appearance coupled with his goal-scoring contribution.
Comparing Al Ahly’s line-up in their recent matches against Smouha in November reveals a significant transformation. While Mohamed El Shenawy guarded the net, Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Abdel Monem, Rami Rabia, and Akram Tawfik formed the defense.
In midfield, Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Amr El Soulia, and Marwan Mohsen were prominent, with a front trio consisting of Hussein El Shahat, Karim Fouad, and Salah Mohsen.
However, in the match against Baladiyat Al Mahalla, Mustafa Shobier took over goalkeeping duties. The defensive lineup comprised of Mohamed Hani, Omar Kamal, Rami Rabia, and Mohamed Abdel Monem.
In midfield, Imam Ashour, Karim Nedved, and Afsha operated, while the attacking line featured Reda Slim, Wissam Abu Ali, and Karim Fouad.
The alterations in Al Ahly’s line-up, orchestrated by coach Pitso Mosimane, underscore the squad’s depth and adaptability.
Among the standout performers, Mustafa Shobier’s stellar goalkeeping display, marked by five saves against Blouizdad in the CAF Champions League, earned him the highest rating of 8.1 from SofaScore. Additionally, his distribution accuracy stood at an impressive 77%.
In the recent encounter against Media Man, Shobier received a rating of 8.2, making five crucial saves and executing one successful ground intervention, while maintaining a passing accuracy of 67%.
In contrast, the 90-minute involvement of Karim Nedved against Baladiyat Al Mahalla saw him showcase his passing prowess, completing 35 successful passes out of 41 attempts, with an accuracy rate of 85%.
As Al Ahly navigates through a packed schedule, the emergence of new stars and the reshuffling of the lineup present both opportunities and challenges for Mosimane.
While players like Mustafa Shobier and Wissam Abu Ali seize their chances, others, including Mahmoud Abdel Monem “Kahraba,” may find themselves sidelined amidst competition for places. With Mosimane’s tactical acumen, Al Ahly aims to maintain its winning momentum while fostering a competitive squad.
